Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday welcomed the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to the state and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Navy.
The governor pledged his support to the Navy in securing the waterways and protecting lives, ensuring the safety, growth, and prosperity of Rivers’ citizens.
Describing Abbas’ visit as a pleasure, Fubara promised to work closely with the Navy to safeguard the state and promote the well-being of its people.
“Most major lines of distribution are from Rivers State. And these lines are not in the hinterland; they are inside those coastal areas, inside the waterways. So you can see that we are the ones who should even say thank you for protecting us. Thank you for securing the life of my people. Because when anything goes wrong, life will be lost and the ecosystem will be destroyed. But you’re helping us to do that while also carrying out your responsibility.
“So I want to return that thank you to you. I also wish to say that I know quite a lot that it’s a very challenging time for every one of us. I know that the Almighty God will give you what it takes to lead at this particular time. My promise here has never changed. We need to work together for us to succeed. My predecessors had a wonderful relationship with the Nigerian Navy,” Fubara said.
The governor further added that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that Abbas succeeds. He congratulated him and wished him a successful tour, urging him to enjoy the hospitality of Rivers State.
Fubara noted that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the FCT, gave the Navy all necessary assets to ensure smooth operations.
He explained that upon assuming office, he maintained a very cordial relationship with all the commanders but expressed concern that the current commander had been promoted.
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“And even if you don’t tell me, I know very soon he will be leaving. But bring another one that will also work with us, have that understanding, and have respect for the state. I want to say that we will continue to work with you. You don’t even need to thank us, that is the truth, because it is our responsibility as a government, agencies that are operating in our territory, to give them the needed support for them to succeed.
“I’ll give you an example. I’m not the one who will be driving through the waterways; I don’t even have the technology or the expertise to do it. It is the duty and responsibility of the Nigerian Navy. And how do I make that responsibility effective? It is to collaborate with them. Where they need assistance, we provide it. And while they’re carrying out this responsibility, it’s also a win for us as a state. You know how strategic Rivers State is. It is the main centre of our crude oil,” the governor added.
